Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 and 2/3 cups (209g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/3 cup (27g) unsweetened natural or Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients & Chocolate
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, frozen
- 1/2 cup + 1 Tablespoon (135g/ml) heavy cream, cold
- 1 large egg, cold
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 6 ounces (170g) semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
Glaze
- 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoons (30g/ml) water (black coffee works too!)
- one 4-ounce (113g) bar semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt together in a large bowl. Grate the frozen unsalted butter using a box grater and add it to the flour mixture. Combine with a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. Chill in the refrigerator or freezer while preparing wet ingredients.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the cold heavy cream, cold large egg, and pure vanilla extract. Drizzle this mixture over the flour and butter mixture, add the coarsely chopped semi-sweet chocolate, and mix gently until just moistened.
- Form Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Using floured hands, work the dough gently into a ball; it will be sticky. If too sticky, add a small amount of flour; if too dry, add cold heavy cream one teaspoon at a time. Press the dough into an 8-inch disc, then cut into 8 wedges using a sharp knife or bench scraper.
- Chill the Scones: Arrange the scone wedges on a plate or a lined baking sheet if space allows. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes and up to one day to firm up the dough for better baking results.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Arrange the chilled scones 2 to 3 inches apart on the sheet.
- Bake Initial High Heat: Bake the scones at 425°F (218°C) for 5 minutes to set the structure.
- Continue Baking at Lower Temp: Without removing the scones, lower the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C) and bake for an additional 16 to 17 minutes. The scones are done when the edges and tops are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not melted chocolate).
- Cool Slightly: Remove scones from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet while preparing the glaze.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and water (or black coffee) until smooth. Dip the warm scones into the glaze and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or paper towels to catch drips. Allow the glaze to set.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt the remaining 4 ounces of coarsely chopped semi-sweet chocolate in the microwave in 15-second increments, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the glazed scones for an extra chocolate touch.
- Storage: Store leftover scones at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use cold ingredients, especially butter and cream, to ensure flaky scones with a tender crumb.
- Chilling the dough before baking helps the scones hold their shape and yields a better rise.
- If the dough is too sticky to handle, add flour sparingly to avoid tough scones.
- The glaze can be flavored with black coffee instead of water for a subtle mocha hint.
- Scones are best enjoyed warm but store well for several days refrigerated.
- For even more chocolate intensity, use Dutch-process cocoa powder for a deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American